Ohio’s Division of State Fire Marshal, located in Reynoldsburg, is the oldest established office of its kind in the United States. The Division’s mission is to safeguard the public, its property and the environment from fire and related risks through education, regulation, investigation and enforcement.

The State Fire Marshal's Office has worked extensively in the areas of Incident Command and Management, Weapons of Mass Destruction training, and personnel protection equipment for all of Ohio's first responders, including fire, EMS, law enforcement, health, and public works.

The SFM also is responsible for modernizing, promulgating and enforcing the Ohio Fire Code; designing and presenting fire prevention programs; analyzing fire-related criminal evidence; investigating the cause and origin of fires and explosions; training firefighters; providing fire safety education to business, industry and the general public; regulating underground storage tanks; testing and training; and licensing and certification support services.

Jeff A. Hussey was appointed State Fire Marshal in July 2017. Prior to this appointment, Hussey served as Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal. As State Fire Marshal, he is responsible for overseeing all operations and bureaus of the Marshal’s office.

Hussey began his career in the fire service in 1983 at the Mifflin Township Fire Department, where he rose through the ranks and eventually became an Assistant Chief. He also has served at the Westerville Fire Department, and taught EMS and firefighting courses at Columbus State Community College for more than a decade.

The State Fire Council is an advisory body that represents stakeholders throughout the state and serves as a communication conduit between the Division of State Fire Marshal and the public.

The State Fire Council has many important responsibilities. The Council conducts the review and selection process that results in the appointment of the State Fire Marshal by the Director of Commerce. They conduct research, create reports on fire safety, and recommend to the Governor, the General Assembly, the Board of Building Standards, and other state agencies, any needed changes in laws, rules, or administrative policies relating to fire safety. The Council is also in charge of maintaining the Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame.

The State Fire Council is made up of 10 qualified Ohioans appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. These members represent eight stakeholder groups, including the general public, regulated industries, the fire service and local government. Their mission is to help make Ohio safer from the hazards of fire and assist in reducing the regulatory burden on Ohio’s business community.

The State Fire Marshal News gives stakeholders a look inside the Division of State Fire Marshal. With regular columns from the Director of Commerce and the State Fire Marshal, updates from the individual Bureaus and insight into hot button issues for the fire service and first responders, our newsletter is a great way to stay informed.Sign up for media releases and future newslettersVisit our newsletter archives

The Code Enforcement Bureau has primary responsibility for standards set by the Ohio Fire Code. Inspectors work alongside local officials to conduct fire safety inspections to ensure Ohio’s schools, nursing homes and other facilities meet the high standard set by the Ohio Fire Code to safeguard the lives and property of some of Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens.

The Fire & Explosion Investigation Bureau is a law enforcement agency tasked with investigating the origin and cause of fire, explosions and fireworks incidents in Ohio. Investigators stand ready, 24 hours a day, to assist local fire and police departments in combating the crime of arson and bringing perpetrators to justice.

In 1973, Ohio became the first state in the nation to develop a forensic laboratory specializing in fire and explosive evidence. The Division of State Fire Marshal Forensic Laboratory provides specialized investigative and training services to fire departments and law enforcement agencies across Ohio with professionalism and timely response. The team of scientists and fire specialists at the Forensic Laboratory conduct scientific examinations of ignitable liquids, fire debris, explosives, latent prints and video and audio evidence.

The Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulations (BUSTR) regulates the safe operation of underground storage tanks and supervises appropriate investigations and cleanup of suspected and confirmed releases from such tanks to protect human health and preserve the environment for the citizens of Ohio. BUSTR leadership and staff conduct inspections, educate underground storage tank owners and operators, and enforce state laws in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines.

The Fire Prevention Bureau’s primary responsibilities are for providing Ohio’s fire service and citizens with fire and life safety education, maintaining the Ohio Fire Incident Reporting System and promoting Project S.A.F.E. (Smoke Alarms For Everyone).

Reporting is important for all fire incidents, but sometimes reports aren’t always accurate. Check out our quick tip sheet to clarify some of the biggest mistakes we see with OFIRS. See the tip sheet here..

Join us March 10 and 11 for the annual Fire Chiefs Symposium! All fire chiefs and senior command staff are welcome to join us for this free networking and professional development opportunity.
Learn more here.